The Japanese automaker keeps itself busy in the real world by attacking its rivals across all major regions. So, naturally, the rumor mill is doing the same.
Toyota had a field month in November – they presented the 2025 Camry (Hybrid) mid-size sedan and 2025 Crown Signia crossover SUV at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, announced the Yaris Cross update in Europe, showed the production version of the IMV 0 modular pickup truck concept in Thailand as the dirt-cheap ($13k) Hilux Champ, and also gifted the JDM fans with the return of the retro-modern Land Cruiser Series 70.
That was all in the space of a single month – and coming from an astonishing year in terms of new model reveals, facelifts, and special editions. But they are not slowing down even during the Christmas season because December debuted with significant introductions at the annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, Belgium, rocking everything – from pure EV concepts to commercial vehicles and from electrified trucks to additional hydrogen novelties to accompany the BEV pursuit of excellence.
Well, the rumor mill is eager to chip in with their two cents on the matter, and the imaginative realm of digital car content creators is giving them a helping hand. Some believe that Toyota will soon premiere the return of the MR2 or Celica nameplates as production versions of the FT-Se electric concept. Others think that the long-overdue 4Runner off-roader is next in line. But a few just can't let go of the rumor about a compact Land Cruiser-based vehicle.
For example, the good folks from the AutomagzPro channel on YouTube have some AI-assisted CGI thoughts about a hypothetical EV compact Toyota SUV that would be the proud successor to the beloved FJ Cruiser retro-SUV. After their resident pixel master tried a few variants, the quest reached the EV inflection point for the allegedly upcoming 'Land Hopper' compact body-on-frame Toyota.
The channel's CGI expert gives us plenty of choice for the rugged SUV – with a regular four-door layout, with the rear door handles safely hidden, or even looking like it could be the next 4Runner. Well, in case neither variant is to your liking, no worries – we have additional proposals. The peeps over at Next-Gen Car think the alleged 'Land Hopper' will be a hybrid instead – most likely adopting the flagship 2.0-liter setup with 196 horsepower from the Corolla Cross Hybrid or perhaps the feistier 220-hp version from the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid.
Meanwhile, the more down-to-earth guys and gals from Q Cars believe the most anticipated Toyota cruiser will not be christened 'Land Hopper' but rather as the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ – thus paying homage to both nameplates in a bid to bring the best of both in a compact yet rugged form. So, which is your favorite?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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